3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost

Well now, another refreshing surprise from Hallmark. This is about the fourth or fifth recent Hallmark production which has deserved a great rating. Clearly Hallmark must have some new management as their recent batch of movies are far more creative and lively.

In this movie, while most aspects of it were well done, the real star is the ghost, Madeline Arthur. Ms. Arthur really made this movie and added zest and a lot of character. I hope to see her again in upcoming movies.

Probably some folks will have issues with the ghost elements and what the ghost can and cannot do. Okay, maybe this doesn't follow official ghost rules (not that any of us really know) but it really did not detract from the movie.

Love the set/mansion the movie was based in and, again, the acting and production were top notch.

I really liked this movie. I had expectations of a Hallmark re-tread story of some sort, but was pleasantly surprised by this story. The story wasn't the usual girl goes to big city for work then has to return home to small town for some obligatory reason. Love the main actors but especially loved Madeleine Arthur as Ruby. This is my first time seeing her and I have to say I loved her! She gave a super performance and I think she stole the show! She was such a natural. The other cast members were great, too, and they all combined to make this movie a fun time. A little something different from Hallmark, much appreciated.

You usually can never go wrong when a Hallmark movie stars a real-life couple and this one is no exception. I'm a big fan of both Julie Gonzalo and Chris McNally and, as usual, their chemistry is palpable and enjoyable in this movie. The storyline centers around a historical mansion. The main characters were once engaged and a wickedly fun and friendly ghost tries to help them find their way back to each other. Madeleine Arthur is perfectly cast as said ghost and equally drives the storyline with wonderful expression and comedic skill. Kudos to Hallmark for casting her.

The only reason I rated this 9 stars is because the supporting characters could've been better utilized and the writing could've used a bit more detail and polish. Otherwise, I would recommend this movie because the feel of it is different than what you usually see on the Hallmark channel and in a good way.

It was nice to watch a Hallmark movie that doesn't have all of same overworked bits. The actress that plays Ruby was wonderful and Julie Gonzalo was good. Chris McNally, to me, was the weakest part - he could be completely removed and the plot still works.

The story is sweet and not overly convoluted. Still, this being a Hallmark movie you still have to watch a romance develop and be blown up in the last half hour, so it can be fixed in the last five minutes and end with a kiss.

The dialogue from Ruby is great. Words I remember from my grandmother that are no longer used; jeepers, toots ... It made me remember how much I enjoyed spending time with my grandmother; a time that went away way too quickly.

I recommend this movie and there aren't that many Hallmark movies these days that I like.

While watching this new Hallmark production, I just could not help wandering back to the 1974 project where bits and stretches of Fred Astaire and other dancers' old films were glued together under the title: "That's entertainment!" This is entertainment!

It is refreshing that somebody at Hallmark has dared to forgo patent or hidden messages and overused cliches, to produce something innovative, light and "spirited", with the only intention to offer a couple of hours of levity and fun. Actually, under its gaiety, the movie conveys deeper sentiments, rich emotions and its own moral. It takes a ghost to chase Anna's ghosts and lead her to find herself.

All is done with a pinch of pleasant silliness, as expected in a total fantasy, softness and delicate humor. The story is gentle, with endearing characters, including the the most captivating specter since Casper, with elements to please many tastes. Among the background of a fascinating historic house and lively flashbacks to the roaring 1920ies, we get to explore the bonding developing between Anna and the ghost, Ruby, separated by a hundred years and, yet, sharing much in common, in a friendship that enriches one another. Julie Gonzalo is at her best in the role of Anna, Chris McNally is rock-solid and Madaleine Arthur simply fantastic as the spirited ghost. Even the final revelation, perhaps a bit forced and anachronistic, fits well in a work of pure fantasy that warms the heart. Which proves that, when one puts heart and mind into it, one can, still, produce valuable and enjoyable cinematography without sensationalism, perversions, and expensive special effects. Conscious that gems come rare to find, I hope Hallmark will continue trying for selective quality, rather than easy quantity.